Khotang Ward Chair, local Congress activist’s intimate video leaked
Both Rai and Basnet are married.
KATHMANDU: A private video involving Nawaraj Rai, the chairperson of Ward No. 1 in Diktel-Rupakot-Majhuwagadhi Municipality, and local Nepali Congress activist Geeta Thapa Basnet has triggered widespread uproar after it surfaced on social media.
The video reportedly shows both individuals in a compromising and unclothed state inside a private room. It briefly appeared on Basnet’s Facebook Story yesterday evening, before being removed within minutes.
However, copies had already circulated widely through Messenger and WhatsApp.
Both Rai and Basnet are married. Rai, who has a daughter studying abroad, has been living separately from his wife amid ongoing divorce proceedings.
Basnet also has a son and husband, with her son residing in Kathmandu.
The time and location of the video remain unclear, but its content indicates an intimate encounter.
Following the leak, Rai’s Facebook account has been deactivated and his phone switched off, making him unreachable.
Basnet’s family has lodged a formal complaint with the municipality, accusing relatives of distributing the video to shame the family and spread obscenity.
The municipality has stated it will seek a written explanation from Rai within seven days.
If no response is received, legal action will follow, according to Tirthraj Bhattarai, the municipal chief.
“Any recommendations or endorsements from such public representatives will not be accepted. Those spreading social corruption must face immediate action,” Bhattarai informed.
Both Rai and Basnet are members of the Nepali Congress. Rai serves on the district committee, while Basnet is an active member and former president of a ward-level women’s group affiliated with the Red Cross.
A memorandum demanding strict disciplinary action, including removal from the party, has also been submitted to Bishnukumar Rai, the district president of Nepali Congress.
The incident has sparked heated debate over privacy, accountability, and moral conduct among public officials in the district.
